Thales entered a clearing formed in the forest, the path that he had taken now became a cobbled road that forked left, right and straight ahead. The traveler doffed the cowl of his cloak to admire the stone and timber tavern looming before him. A morning sun wreathed the tavern in light- ‘Unchanged’ Thales thought, for The Mystic Tavern had been spared the ravages of time.
The dark stone was smoothed by wear but no vines or lichen clung to the mortar or marred the walls of the tavern or its stable. The beams, shutters and massive entry were made of wood dark with age but unblemished by rot. Doors and windows were shut fast from long ago. Whatever dweomer that had failed to maintain the road held fast to the famed tavern and its grounds. The traveler began down a center path wide enough to comfortably accommodate a carriage. ‘The Mystic Tavern’ read the large, wooden sign jutting from the portico above the front entrance.
“Hullo?” As he approached he called out, his melodious voice echoed in the clearing but went unanswered. “Hullo?” Again unanswered. Thales took the stone steps leading up to the covered entrance in a single, excited spring. He pressed the fingertips of right hand to the tight seam between the two heavy wooden doors before him and delved. The doors were sealed and barred against force. Only with the correct key could the tavern be opened again…
Ere he fared forth into the great world to write his name across the stars and make an ancient throne his seat...